OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, at the Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, takes stock of implementation of Swiss priorities at half time

BAKU, 28 June 2014 – Swiss Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Didier Burkhalter, took part today in the Inaugural Plenary Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s 23^rd annual session in Baku.

Burkhalter, in his opening address, used the opportunity to pay his respect to all those who engage on the best of all fights, namely the one for freedom, security, and peace. He specially commended the important and dedicated work for peace of the SMM monitors.

Burkhalter also assessed the implementation of the Swiss Chairmanship’s priorities – to promote security and stability, to improve people’s living conditions, and to strengthen the OSCE’s capacity to act – at half time.

Stressing the importance of constructive exchange between the governmental side of the OSCE and the Parliamentary Assembly, Burkhalter said that the Ukraine crisis had given some momentum to the OSCE and that growing recognition of the Organization as a working platform for dialogue and action could be observed. He, however, also pointed to the challenges and strains confronting the OSCE as a result of the Ukraine crisis and called on all participating States to contribute towards durable positive dynamics and advance cooperation wherever possible.

“From cooperation comes trust and confidence. And building confidence and security through cooperation has been the essence of this organization for almost 40 years now. We should make the most of it. We should do so not just for the security of our states, but also of our people”, Burkhalter said.

He welcomed that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly chose the issue of ‘Helsinki+40: Towards Human Security for All’ as the thematic focal point for its session. The ‘Helsinki+40’ process was needed both to strengthen and reform the OSCE and to launch a debate on the future of European security, the Swiss CiO continued. Outlining recent steps in building up OSCE mediation capacity, he proposed to further extend the Organization’s operational capacities in conflict resolution, including in conflict prevention.

He was looking forward to welcoming the members of the PA at their autumn session, which is going to take place in Geneva, October 2-5, Burkhalter concluded.